Registering your business
Not all businesses need a business number (BN) and program accounts. It is important to read Do you need a business number or a program account? before registering.
The BN is a nine-digit identifier for businesses to simplify their dealings with federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada. It aims to give each registered business its own unique number.
You only need a BN if you need one or more program accounts. A program account is an account you register for with the Canada Revenue Agency to deal with specific programs. The most common program accounts a business will need are GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporation income tax, and import-export.
If you already have a BN and you change the legal ownership or the structure of your business, you may have to register for a new BN. For more information, go to Changing your business status.
Services and information
- Do you need a business number or a program account?
Information on if you should register for a business number and program accounts - Before you register
Information you need to provide when register for a business number and program accounts - How to register
Registering for a business number and program accounts by mail, phone or Internet - How to register for provincial or other federal programs
Provincial partnerships and federal government departments and registering for their programs - After you register
What happens after you register for business number and program accounts - Authorize a representative – Business number
How to allow a representative to deal with the CRA for anything related to your business number and program accounts
Forms and publications
- Booklet RC2, The Business Number and Your Canada Revenue Agency Program Accounts
- Form RC1, Request for a Business Number
- Form RC59, Business Consent
Related links
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